What is the Online Learning Consortium?
OLC is a collaborative community of higher education leaders, instructional designers, and faculty focused on innovation in online learning. It is best known for its professional development offerings, research-based frameworks, and resources that promote excellence in online teaching and program design.
As a member institution, USC supports educators in strengthening their online teaching
practices by providing access to OLC’s high-quality resources and national network.
Benefits for USC Educators
Through the university’s OLC membership, all USC faculty, staff, and students have access to a variety of benefits:
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Free OLC Account
Faculty and staff can create a free OLC account using their USC email address. This account unlocks access to exclusive resources, research, and professional development opportunities.
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Access to the OLC Quality Scorecard Suite
The Quality Scorecard is a set of diagnostic tools that help faculty and administrators assess the quality of online courses and programs. These scorecards can be used for self-assessment, improvement planning, or internal program review.
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Professional Development Opportunities
USC educators receive discounted registration for OLC workshops, certificate programs, and Mastery Series. Topics include online course design, digital accessibility, inclusive teaching, and emerging technology in education.
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Publications and Research
Educators have access to the Online Learning Journal, a peer-reviewed publication featuring the latest research in online and blended learning. Additional resources include blogs, white papers, and recorded webinars.
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National Community of Practice
USC educators are invited to engage with OLC’s national network of instructors, researchers, and instructional designers through conferences, forums, and collaborative initiatives.
Why It Matters
OLC resources support USC’s strategic goals in delivering high-quality online education across disciplines. With access to these tools, educators can:
- Evaluate and improve course and program quality
- Stay current with emerging trends in online education
- Participate in national conversations about best practices
- Strengthen their teaching through research-informed strategies
- Connect with colleagues across institutions who are working to solve similar challenges in digital learning
How to Get Started
To access OLC resources:
- Visit onlinelearningconsortium.org
- Select “Go to My Account”
- Select “Create Account”
- Use your USC email address to register under USC’s institutional membership
- Explore available tools, publications, workshops, and events
Choosing the Right Resource for Your Goals
Both Quality Matters (QM) and the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) support online educators at USC. QM is best for educators focused on course design, offering a research-based rubric that also aligns with the Quality Standards for Online Courses (QSOC). OLC is a strong option for those seeking broader professional development in teaching strategies, technology, and innovation. You are encouraged to explore both and choose the resource that best fits yours goals.
For questions or assistance with accessing OLC resources, contact the Center for Teaching Excellence. Staff can guide you in selecting relevant OLC workshops, certificate programs, and teaching resources that align with your goals for online course development and instruction.